Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams
No. 1337.]
Department of State,
Washington,
April 4, 1865.
Sir: I give you herewith a copy of a note from
Mr. Burnley, which announces the discharge of the St. Albans felons from
arrest upon our treaty requisition, and of orders for their re-arrest
for violations of the Queen’s neutrality.
I append also a copy of my latest instructions upon the subject to the
United States consul at Montreal.
And further, a copy of a notice which has this day issued from the
Department of State.
You will please bring these proceedings to the notice of Earl Russell,
and inform him of my apprehensions that the new judicial prosecution
which has been instituted will fail, like so many others.
Such an event would be very untoward, and produce much exasperation. It
is not easily seen why her Majesty’s government should continue to
recognize as a belligerent a class of men, despicable in numbers.
Although they recklessly trample the laws of Great Britain under their
feet, while committing atrocious crimes against a friendly power, yet
they can neither be surrendered to us for punishment, nor subjected to
punishment by British tribunals.
It certainly would not be an easy task to satisfy the people of the
United States that, in enduring such proceedings, this government
exercises a just protection over the lives and property of our citizens,
and a right sense of national honor.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward
Washington,
April 3, 1865.
My Dear Sir: Viscount Monk informs me, by
telegraph, that the Canadian courts had decided that the St. Albans
raiders could not be surrendered, and they were consequently
discharged.
It appears, however, that the governor general directed their
immediate re-arrest on a charge of violating the Queen’s
neutrality.
Believe me to remain, my dear sir, yours very faithfully,
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
[Page 304]
[Extract.]
Mr. Seward to Mr.
Potter
No. 115.]
Department of State,
Washington,
March 21, 1865.
Sir: Your despatch of March 15, No. 170,
has been received and carefully considered. The disposition and
proceedings of the United States towards Canada have been friendly
and liberal. The wrongs we have suffered from her have been
unprovoked. Of all the felons harbored there, who have assailed our
cities and citizens, only one has yet been delivered up to us upon
our demand, and not one has yet been punished.
We can go no further in the way of conciliation until we have some
greater show of reciprocity. It may seem to the Canadians that they
are relieved from responsibility to us by their political connexion
with other portions of the British empire, distinguished for
illiberality to our country, but that circumstance, so far from
increasing, diminishes our security.
* * * * * * * * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John F. Potter, Esq., U. S. Consul General, Montreal,
Notice.
To all whom these presents may concern:
Whereas, for some time past, evil-disposed persons have crossed the
borders of the United States, or entered their ports by sea from
countries where they are tolerated, and have committed capital
felonies against the property and life of American citizens, as well
in the cities as in the rural districts of the country:
Now, therefore, in the name and by the authority of the President of
the United States, I do hereby make known that a reward of one
thousand dollars will be paid, at this department, for the capture
of each of such offenders, upon his conviction by a civil or
military tribunal, to whomsoever shall arrest and deliver such
offenders into the custody of the civil or military authorities of
the United States. And the like reward will be paid, upon the same
terms, for the capture of any such persons so entering the United
States, whose offences shall be committed subsequently to the
publication of this notice.
A reward of five hundred dollars will be paid, upon conviction, for
the arrest of any person who shall have aided and abetted offenders
of the class before named within the territory of the United
States.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the
Department of State, at Washington, this fourth day of
April, A. D. 1865.[L.S]
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of
State.
